French President Emmanuel Macron announced at the United Nations General Assembly in New York that France now recognises the State of Palestine, joining the UK, Canada, Australia, and Portugal in recent historic moves despite opposition from Israel and the United States. Macron described the decision as a step to support peace and the two-state solution, while the Palestinian Authority welcomed it as “historic and courageous.”
In his address, Macron urged an immediate end to the Gaza war and the release of hostages held by Hamas. He stressed that “nothing justifies the ongoing war” and warned the world is running out of time to seize peace. The French leader also proposed a transitional administration in Gaza led by the Palestinian Authority, coupled with an international stabilisation mission to oversee the territory’s recovery and security.
Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister, Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, thanked Macron for recognising Palestine, reiterating that a two-state solution remains the only path to lasting peace. France and Saudi Arabia also co-hosted a UN summit focused on reviving the two-state solution, which has become the central agenda of this year’s UNGA.
Meanwhile, Israel, backed by the US, strongly rejected the recognitions. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, under rising domestic pressure, faces mounting global calls for Palestinian statehood, even as reports suggest his government may pursue annexation of parts of the occupied West Bank.